“When creating music you have to live life – be inspired by life – to create experiences that are worth sharing with the world. ” -Stevie Wonder

I celebrate a lot of artists here on this blog. However, if there was one that that inspires what I do in this space, it would be undoubtedly be the one we call “The 8th Wonder of the World,” Mr. Stevland Hardaway (Judkins) Morris.

When I started conceptualizing this blog, I thought about icons whose music has shown up repeatedly in the soundtrack of my life. Artists like Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, Luther, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and Jill Scott (to name a few). While listening to At The Close of A Century, the name Songs In the Key of Life and the blog’s direction just came to me. Ironically, the album was released the same month I was conceived (September 1976) and was arguably one of the most influential albums of the decade. My goal here is to inform and influence my readers’ appreciation of real music. So while it was a gutsy move to name my blog after one of the Top 100 albums of all time, something about it felt right.

The running joke has always been that Stevie has been fooling us all these years and can really see. Wouldn’t be hard for me to believe! I’ve always been in awe of his gift of composing music that seems inspired by the beauty he’s seen across the world…and the ugliness. The key word is gift, something he was blessed with probably from the moment he lay in that incubator and lost his sight. He lost one thing, but gained so much more – five decades of blessing us with thirty-five albums chock full of masterpieces. Music that speaks to social and political issues of our time – and they remain relevant decades later. Songs that champion a universal love – one that transcends color or creed. Love of a partner, love of a child, love for what you were born to do, love for yourself. I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful to know and appreciate his music. (I also feel blessed to have been born exactly one week after him. Taureans rule!)

In these days and times of having to contend with the foolish radio programming that assaults our ears, I’m happy to know that there are DJs that feel his music deeply and want to keep it alive. The best party I attended last year was DJ Spinna’s Wonder-Full Tribute party. When I think back to the emotions I experienced at that party, this is what I see.

If it comes to a city near you, I would strongly urge you not to miss it.

It’s damn near painful to choose a couple of favorite Stevie songs. I managed to do it for my Top Fifty Songs list. I chose “As” and “Ribbon In The Sky.” The way I’ll limit myself from barraging you with fifty eleven videos that you won’t watch anyway is to share my favorites from Songs In the Key of Life.

How could “As” not be on everyone’s list with lyrics like these?

As around the sun the earth knows she’s revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love’s the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I’ll be loving you always
As now can’t reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all is born is new
Do know what I say is true
That I’ll be loving you always
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky—ALWAYS
Until the ocean covers every mountain high—ALWAYS
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea—ALWAYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream

Knocks Me Off My Feet

Sir Duke

The Making Of ‘I Wish’ (excellent video to watch if you can only watch one- see the magician creating the magic)

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13 thoughts on “‘Happy Birthday’: Celebrating the Life and Music of Stevie Wonder”

Stevie Wonder is a musical genius. I can remember as far back as being so young that I don’t even remember the age. But I do remember always seeing my aunt play the album title @ your blog title. Yeah, that was a gutsy move on your part. I remember the design like it was yesterday on the cover of the 8-track tape.

My favorite Stevie Wonder song is Stay Gold.

The running joke has always been that Stevie has been fooling us all these years and can really see. Wouldn’t be hard for me to believe! That would be something, right.

I might be late but Happy Birthday, Stevie! No doubt, the man is a musical genius.

Of course, Viv, I feel you with the lyrics from As. That song is one of my favorites not only for the lyrics, but when I hear those first notes, it never fails to bring a smile to my face. And I never fail to join in on the chorus (even if I get the words mixed up sometimes…)

Along with As, my favorite Stevie songs would include (in no particular order): These Three Words, Superstition, Black Man (for making an eleven-year old proud of his heritage and recognizing the contributions of all people), Knocks Me Off My Feet, Living For The City, Golden Lady, All I Do, Rocket Love, and Do I Do.

I’ll stop now, probably have another dozen rolling around in my head. And I guess it shouldn’t have, but it blew my mind to see Stevie play the drums!

while i’ve only really begun to truly appreciate his genius and artistry since this year, i’ve always be in awe of his personality. stevie is clearly one of the greatest creations god has ever graced music with and i am enthralled to continue my journey into meeting his artistry and genius even more.

@my namesake – Two of my favorite songs as well. Superstition is funking at its finest. When I did my Funky Mondays post last month, I spotlighted that video. That is a good memory. Exactly what I was looking for 🙂

@tws – re: when you hear the first notes…exactly. you just start smiling. it’s a song you can feel. We definitely share a lot of the same favorite Stevie songs. I LOVE what you said about Black Man. Again, exactly what I was looking for. Soundtrack to a moment in your life. Thanks for sharing.